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Composer

Composers create a wide variety of original music including symphonies, operas, choral and vocal works, ballet scores, musical theatre scores, jazz pieces, electro-acoustic works and rock songs. They also write music for commercial media including advertisements and film soundtracks.

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest in synthesizing information to invent melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures in order to express ideas and emotions in musical forms such as symphonies, operas, and film and play scores

METHODICAL

Interest in precision working to play instruments to assist in composing, arranging and orchestrating music; and in copying compositions to music paper

directive

Interest in applying knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, orchestration and musical forms to create compositions and scores; may conduct and teach music

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Composers write music pieces that may vary in length and difficulty from symphonies to 30-second radio jingles. They have no other specific duties unless they:

are composers-in-residence for symphony orchestras, choral groups or post-secondary schools

are college instructors or university professors

have accepted a commission or signed a contract that defines additional responsibilities.

Composers often develop a style of their own but may produce music in other styles when required by clients. For example, they may be commissioned to compose music for a live dance performance, a new symphony, or a film or television soundtrack. They may work closely with arrangers, orchestrators or music copyists to complete final scores, or with performers in rehearsals and recording sessions.

Film and television composers study films and scripts and work with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of the music so that it creates the desired effect.

Increasingly, composers are using computers and synthesizers to produce music scores, to orchestrate and to create new arrangements.

Working Conditions

Updated Mar 26, 2017

Most of the time, composers work alone. Their working environments and hours of work vary considerably.

Strength Required
Lift up to 5 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Mar 26, 2017

Composers need to possess:

musical talent and creativity

determination and perseverance

interpersonal and networking skills to market their work.

They should enjoy playing musical instruments and inventing melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures to express ideas and emotions.

Educational Requirements

Updated Mar 26, 2017

To succeed, composers must:

understand the range, sound and capability of a variety of musical instruments

understand how music is put together harmonically, melodically, rhythmically and texturally

be able to blend various instrumental sounds to produce harmonies or to create special effects

be able to use musical notation to express their ideas.

The ability to play a musical instrument is a definite asset, as is knowledge of related technologies such as Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) software and music notation programs. Composers of classical music also may need to understand other languages such as Italian, French or German.

Composers of popular music (for example, country and rock) often do not have extensive formal training. They may study alone, at a music conservatory or a college, or with accomplished musicians. For related information, see the Songwriter occupational profile.

For composers of concert music, developing a unique style is crucial. This requires listening to as much music as possible, studying scores from various musical styles, experimenting and gaining experience.

Post-secondary education in music provides excellent training and exposure to different musical styles. Most serious composers pursue further studies at a university or music conservatory. Some apprentice with a recognized, accomplished composer as part of their post-graduate training.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Mar 26, 2017

Few composers earn a living from composition alone. To supplement their incomes, many do related work including:

performing

accompanying soloists

teaching privately or in colleges or universities

arranging or orchestrating scores.

Composers may be commissioned by a major arts organization or a provincial arts funding source to write a piece of music. There is considerable competition for grants and commissions.

Music publishers may be interested in listing new pieces of original music in their catalogues. However, many Canadian composers have begun publishing their own works to retain control over publishing and distribution. Some composers use a music agent to negotiate contracts and agreements.

Composers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5132: Conductors, composers and arrangers. In Alberta, 89% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

Composers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5132: Conductors, composers and arrangers.

According to the 2015 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Conductors, composers and arrangersoccupational group earned on average from $29.46to $33.20an hour. The overall average was $32.85an hour. More recent data is not available.

Updated Mar 20, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.